It’s happened to all of us at one point or another of our lives. A very stressful and even potentially dangerous situation, especially if there are small children inside the home, or if your stove is on. This is the time to act calm, cool, and collected, do not panic but act quickly. Yes, it’s annoying and frustrating and it always happens at the most inconvenient time, but here are a few things you can do if you find yourself locked out of your home:
- Assess the situation. Are there small children inside? Are they at risk? Is the stove on where there is a fire danger?
- Call for help. If your cell phone is locked inside the home, ask a neighbor, and start making calls. The sooner you act, the quicker you will be able to gain access to your home. This is the simplest solution and hopefully it can resolve the situation. It is always a smart idea to have a spare key with a family member or neighbor.
- If renting, call your Landlord. It is very common for Landlords to have spare keys to the homes they rent and can quickly grant you access back into your home.
- Look for open windows or another way to get in the property. While you should never leave any windows unlocked for security reasons, it never hurts to check, just in case. Maybe it does the trick.
- Call a Locksmith. If time is of the essence, and you must not risk the safety of your children or home, this is the quickest and safest way to go. Many emergency 24/7 locksmith companies can get to you within 20-30 minutes, and even quicker if children or home safety is involved. They can grant you access to your home without causing any unnecessary damage to your door.
It is wise to always have a Locksmith on your speed dial, but if you do not have one, ask for recommendations from people that you trust. Referrals are the best way or look online for a certified local company that has good recommendations and reviews. When calling a locksmith, explain the situation and the potential safety risk to your locked children or fire risk. Be prepared to pay an average of $120-$150, but this expense is well worth the safety and prompt access to your property.
- If all else fails, break in. This should be your last resort, however, if you can’t track down a spare key or cannot reach a 24/7 emergency locksmith that can get to you in time to prevent any potential risks, this may be your best bet. How you do this, depends on the type of lock and doorknob you have, but if you have a credit card or bobby pins, it is possible.
- Once you are in come up with a plan to prevent any future lockouts. Take advantage of the locksmith professional helping you out during the emergency and ask for recommendations.
- Make a copy of your key and find a safe place to hide it outside your home or ask your locksmith to install an electronic lock.
What NOT to Do if you are locked out of your home
Now that you know what to do if you are locked out o your home, here are a few pointers on what not do in such an event.
- First of all, DO NOT throw any rocks through the window or kick down your door You could be injured and for sure will wind up with a repair bill to repair the broken glass or door. It’s best to just pay a locksmith that will cause no damage.
- Don’t call 911 for help if you are lockout, unless there is an emergency like a fire or a child is hurt. The police or fire rescue will not come and break a door.
- If you have a 2-story home and notice an open window, do not try to climb onto the roof as you may be facing a fall risk and get seriously hurt. It’s better to just be patient and wait for a spare key or your locksmith to arrive.
Are you in Naples FL or Marco Island FL area or nearby? Call Locksmith Lion Today at (239) 849-4979
